Red carpet interview with Gugu M’batha-Raw
Interviewer: Rachel Riley
Q. Hello, Gugu, nice to meet you. You look absolutely fabulous.
A. As do you.
Q. And you have nice warm hands. How did you manage it?
A. I don't know. I thought they were falling off with the cold.
Q. So tonight you are up for the EE Rising Star Award nominated by the public. How are you feeling?
A. Oh, it is such an honour to be here and especially to be nominated for the EE rising star. I think it makes it all the more special because it is voted for by the public. So for me, yes, I am having an amazing time.
Q. And have you been to the BAFTAs before?
A. No. This is my first time.
Q. So first time and nominated for a huge award?
A. Yes, yes. It's really surreal and wonderful.
Q. Who have you brought with you? Who are the chosen ones?
A. My mum and dad. They are here. So it was just going to be my mum and then my dad got a ticket at the very last minute so yes, super cool.
Q. Fantastic. Do you have a speech prepared just in case you win?
A. Oh, I don't know. I think I am going to be sort of winging it, if that is the case. I didn't want to jinx it. But who knows?
Q. Did you go to the nominees' dinner at Kensington Palace yesterday?
A. I couldn't go because I just landed this morning.
Q. What are you working on at the moment?
A. I was in LA. I am in preparation for a film called The Free State of Jones.
Q. And when is that going to be coming out?
A. I have no idea. We have not even begun shooting yet. But yes, I was just in prep for that.
Q. And very strong category you are in this evening. Who else's performance have impressed you this year?
A. Oh, wow. You know, I really loved Miles Teller in Whiplash. I thought that was such a wonderful film and all the nominees, so, so strong. So yes, I am really honoured to be included in such a great group.
Q. And which films have you enjoyed watching this year?
A. So many. I enjoyed Birdman. I thought that was really stylish and just unique. Also Selma and also The Theory Of Everything.
Q. A lot of biopics in this year's nominations. Is there anyone that you would love to play? Have you ever done that kind of role?
A. I would love to play Billie Holiday. I think that would be amazing.
Q. Are you a singer as well?
A. I do sing. I think Billy has got such a unique voice, I don't know about that, but I think that her life is really interesting, and I just played a singer, actually, about a year ago in a film that's coming out in the summer here, called Beyond the Lights. But that was more sort of pop, R & B style.
Q. Okay. So we will see you singing on our screens imminently?
A. Yes. In the summer.
Q. Fantastic.
Thank you very much. Best of luck for this evening. Are you going to be able to let your hair down once that has gone?
A. I hope so, yes. Yes, lovely to be home, so I am going to have a great night.
Q. Celebrating with your mum and dad?
A. Exactly.
Q. Are they around?
A. They're just over there.
Q. Shall we bring them over? Are they camera shy?
A. They are shivering.
Q. Okay, fair enough. I am sure they very proud of you.
A. Yes, I hope so.
Q. I hope you all have a wonderful night. Very best of luck.
A. Thank you.
